Last updated: 2026-07-25

RELIABILITY SCORE: 81/100 (EXCELLENT)

2024 Subaru Legacy Reliability Report

Name: 2024 Subaru Legacy
Brand: Subaru

The 2024 Subaru Legacy scores 81/100 ("Excellent"), but its complaint rate of 8.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the 2024 Sedan segment average of 5.4.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

8.2per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$563

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,000–$2,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity72/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Buy

Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
AIR BAGS (3)
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 5)

2024 is year 5 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).

Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
7th generation Legacy (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2020: Seventh generation (BW/BT) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2024: This Model Year

2024 is year 5 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).

Should You Buy the 2024 Subaru Legacy?

The 2024 Subaru Legacy earns an Excellent 81/100 reliability score. 2024 is year 5 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).

However, its complaint rate of 8.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 5.4, driven largely by electrical system (5) reports.

If buying used, confirm recall repairs are complete and inspect electrical system (5) carefully on the test drive.

Compared to the 2025 Subaru Legacy, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2023 Subaru Legacy for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Strong reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (12%)
+No recalls issued
+5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

−Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Infotainment system and safety features (5 complaints)
−1 fire incident reported in owner complaints

Compare 2024 Subaru Legacy With

2024 Toyota Camry

Reliability: 83/100

Excellent

2024 Honda Accord

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2024 Hyundai Sonata

Reliability: 73/100

Good

2024 Nissan Altima

Reliability: 82/100

Excellent

2024 KIA K5

Reliability: 77/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
AIR BAGS (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2024 Subaru Legacy — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

8.2

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 5.4

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2024 Subaru Legacy? Check its history first

Every 2024 Subaru Legacy has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2024 Subaru Legacy NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 10.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru LegacyRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$563

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Legacy

$563

Category Avg

$526

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

26–30 MPG

Running cost: $2,550–$2,850/yr

Fuel + repair

23–27 city / 31–35 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2024 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Legacy AWD 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AV-S8)	27	35	30	$2,000
Legacy AWD 2.4L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AV-S8)	23	31	26	$2,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2024 Subaru Legacy.

Inspect windshield for chips and cracks
Test infotainment system for freezing and sound issues
Verify passenger airbag activation with lightweight passenger
Check for unexpected braking from collision avoidance system
Inspect for rodent damage to wiring
Ensure windows do not lower on their own when vehicle is off
Check for any signs of previous fire damage

2024 Subaru Legacy Common Problems by Component

16 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)AIR BAGS (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)WHEELS (1)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2024 Subaru Legacy, primarily involving the infotainment system and safety features. Complaints frequently mention the infotainment screen freezing, particularly affecting the CarPlay function, and causing the system to mute phone calls unexpectedly. Multiple owners describe critical safety features, such as lane assist and automatic stop, malfunctioning, with instances of the car incorrectly identifying lane markings and engaging brakes on the interstate. Additionally, there are reports of wiring damage attributed to soy-based materials attracting rodents, compromising power steering and other electrical components. These issues often occur at low mileage and have potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control.

5 complaints total

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

Owners report issues with the passenger airbag system in the 2024 Subaru Legacy, particularly involving the airbag not activating for passengers weighing around 100 pounds or less. Complaints frequently mention that the airbag indicator light fails to show activation when lighter passengers occupy the seat, while it functions normally for heavier individuals. These issues are noted to occur even in related Subaru models and are not resolved by dealership intervention. Reported problems begin as early as a few months post-purchase, and owners express concern about the potential risk of airbags not deploying in a crash, posing a safety risk for lightweight passengers.

3 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2024 Subaru Legacy report several issues in the UNKNOWN OR OTHER category. One common complaint involves the vehicle's windows lowering on their own when the car is off, with multiple attempts at repair failing to resolve the issue. This problem presents a security risk and has caused water damage during rain. Another issue involves the emergency collision avoidance system, which several owners report as mistakenly activating in response to parked or stopped vehicles, resulting in abrupt braking while driving. A significant safety concern is highlighted by a report of a vehicle catching fire while parked, with the cause remaining undetermined. The fire incident occurred in a vehicle with approximately 35,000 miles, but no specific mileage pattern is evident for the other issues.

3 complaints total1 fire

VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

Owners report that the 2024 Subaru Legacy experiences frequent windshield fragility issues. Complaints frequently mention that small rock impacts, often encountered during highway travel, result in multiple chips and cracks on the windshield. These incidents are noted at low mileage, with some vehicles having less than 3,000 miles when the damage occurs. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control connected to these windshield issues. Potential buyers should be aware of the possibility of recurring windshield damage and the associated repair costs.

3 complaints total

WHEELS (1 complaints)

WHEELS

1 complaint

2025-01-15

See attached document for complaint.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

2023-12-16

Frequently, while driving in the dark, oncoming traffic flashes their bright lights at me because they believe my brights are on. I flash them back to show them they are not on. I informed my local Subaru dealership on two separate occasions about the problem, and both times I was told there is nothing that can be done, that the lights are not adjustable and the bulbs are not too bright from the factory. I continue to have issues every time I drive the vehicle, most of my driving is in the dark. This morning, another driver behaved in a manner that made me fear for my safety. I was following a line of cars, and the vehicle in front of me pulled over to the side of the road and then pulled back on the road directly behind me. The driver continually flashed his brights at me, I'm guessing they were irritated because they believed my brights were on when I was following them. This continued for about 5 minutes. I almost called 911 because I feared for my safety and the mental stability of the driver behind me. Eventually the driver turned off the roadway and took another route than I was taking and the situation ended. I now fear for the safety of myself and other drivers, because my lights are too bright and the Subaru dealership will do nothing to remedy the safety issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the local Subaru dealership on 12/19/2023. The dealership claimed they were able to adjust the headlights and that they are properly adjusted to specs. However, there is not a noticeable difference, nor does any other vehicles on the road.

When Do 2024 Subaru Legacy Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

0–3,000 milesWindshield fragility

0–5,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Subaru Legacy Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Subaru Legacy year is 2024 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (80/100) and 2023 (77/100).

Top Pick

Excellent

2024

(Current Model)

0Recalls

16Complaints

Excellent

2025

0Recalls

6Complaints

Good

2023

2Recalls

10Complaints

Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid

The worst Subaru Legacy year is 2020 with a score of 67/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (52) issues. Also avoid 2019 (69/100).

Good

2020

6Recalls

121Complaints

Good

2019

3Recalls

123Complaints

See full Subaru Legacy years-to-avoid analysis

Subaru Legacy Reliability Score Trend

Subaru Legacy reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 70/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Subaru Legacy reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	70/100	Good
2019	69/100	Good
2020	67/100	Good
2021	75/100	Good
2022	77/100	Good
2023	77/100	Good
2024	81/100	Excellent
2025	80/100	Excellent

Subaru Legacy Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2025	80/100	-1	Excellent	0	6
2024(selected)	81/100	+4	Excellent	0	16
2023	77/100	0	Good	2	10
2022	77/100	+2	Good	2	32
2021	75/100	+8	Good	3	31
2020	67/100	-2	Good	6	121
2019	69/100	-1	Good	3	123
2018	70/100	—	Good	3	116

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2024 Subaru Legacy scores 81/100 ("Excellent"), which is strong. However, its complaint rate is above the Sedan segment average (notably electrical system). The high score reflects good build quality, but shoppers should investigate the complaint patterns before buying.

What are the most common problems with the 2024 Subaru Legacy?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2024 Subaru Legacy include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), AIR BAGS (3 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints), WHEELS (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2024 Subaru Legacy have?

The 2024 Subaru Legacy has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.

Is the 2024 Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain?

The 2024 Subaru Legacy has estimated annual costs of $563/year, which is $37 more than the midsize cars average of $526. Its reliability score of 81/100 is strong, but its complaint rate is above the segment average (notably electrical system). Pay extra attention to commonly reported areas during inspection and test drive.

Don’t buy a 2024 Subaru Legacy without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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